Q -- Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) for the States of Alaska and Idaho

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is set to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) serving the states of Alaska and Idaho. These contracts will be awarded separately to organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a responsible entity under Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 9.1 and fulfilling the statutory definition of a utilization and quality control peer review organization as outlined in the Social Security Act. Offerors must demonstrate physician sponsorship or access, must not be affiliated with health care facilities or payor organizations, and must include a consumer representative on their governing board. The QIOs play a crucial role in reviewing health care services under Title XVIII of the Act and advancing the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries in their regions. The contract term is planned for a three-year period, with the RFP expected to be published on June 1, 2005 via the Federal Business Opportunities website. Interested parties are directed to access presolicitation information online, as telephone or fax inquiries requesting the RFP will not be accepted. The solicitation, identified as CMS-05-QIO-2GNAHC, falls under NAICS code 923120 and is managed by Contracting Officer Brian D Hebbel. The QIOs must comply with all requirements specified in the RFP and resulting contracts to effectively fulfill their responsibilities in quality improvement and peer review activities within Alaska and Idaho.